Oneonta District 
 of the Upper New York Conference of the United Methodist Church
December 9th 2021 Oneonta District UMC News for you
* Please share this newsletter with your friends and congregation members.

District E-newsletters
To subscribe to the Oneonta district E-newsletter, send us your email address.
To submit news for this publication, send it no later than Wed. by 12 Noon for Thursday publication, to: [email protected]
The District Office is open by appointment only.
Please Call ahead to make an appointment.
Office hours vary Mon. – Thurs.
the office is CLOSED Friday- Sunday
Please note: Teresa will be on vacation starting December 21st and will return to the office on Tuesday January 4th. ***
 
During this time if you have an emergency please contact
Rev. Nancy Adams -Oneonta District Superintendent
Nancy’s Notes - #37
 
Dear Friends,

         This morning I learned of the death of the 3rd active pastor in our Conference in the past week.  There are families, congregations, colleagues, and friends who mourn – those for whom this is not going to be a joyous Christmas. So what can we say? Do we really believe that God is in our midst? Do we really believe that Jesus is Emmanuel – God With Us? 
         We celebrate these things during Advent and Christmas every year, but what about times like this?  What happens when “the rubber hits the road,” so to speak? These are the times when our faith may be stretched. These are the times when the sentimentality and secular celebrations of Christmas leave us sadly lacking.
         It is vital in these times to lean into our faith and the promises of Scripture. Perhaps you have been in despair at Christmas – or perhaps you’re there now. This is not a platitude – Jesus truly is Emmanuel – God With Us. In these times and at all times – times of joy, times of sorrow, and all the times in between, Jesus is Emmanuel. I have found Jesus to be who He says He is. God knows what it’s like to be human. I don’t know about you, but that makes all the difference in the world to me. I believe Jesus is crying with those who mourn, because I have felt that care, that concern, that grace, that love, that presence of Emmanuel, and I trust that you have, too.
         Please join me in prayer for those who mourn and let us rejoice in the blessed Truth of Emmanuel. God IS with us. Always. Thanks be to God!
                  
With You in the Advent Journey,
                   Nancy       

2021-2022 Charge Conference Forms
Due Dates
 

 
February 15th 2022
mail completed & signed copy to District Office
Report of Trustees
Report of Finance Committee
2021 Year End Financial Report - your church format
2022 Church Budget - your church format
2021 Statistical Reports * complete at http://ezra.gcfa.org
 
March 15th 2022
2021 Local Annual Financial Audit *complete at http://uny.umconline.org
 
If you need help with any of the forms or have forgotten your login information, please contact the District Office for assistance.
2021-2022 Charge Conference forms are available to download. All information can be found at: https://uny.umconline.org/ or by clicking here.
 *Please note when trying to download Charge Conference Forms to use Firefox Browser.*
Happenings & Local Church News
A Musical Celebration! December 11th at 7:00 pm

Cobleskill UMC is hosting a free Christmas concert in our sanctuary Saturday December 11th at 7:00 pm. The concert will feature The Upper Catskill String Quartet, New Day Vocal Ensemble, and the poetry of Mary Oliver, with Master of Ceremonies Mr. Scott Barton. Plan to join our community for this top-notch musical celebration of all that brings us comfort and joy this Christmas season.
Blue Christmas
Mon. December 13th at 7pm.
at Elm Park UMC will be having a Blue Christmas Service of Healing and Hope
On the longest night, a Blue Christmas Service December 21, at 7pm
"It's the most wonderful time of the year," the song tells us. But if you're dealing with grief, the holiday season can become a painful reminder of what has been lost. Join Cobleskill UMC in a service on the longest night as we give ourselves permission to grieve while recognizing that God offers hope even in the darkest of seasons.
Blue Christmas/Longest Night Service
at Sidney United Methodist Church
TUES., DECEMBER 21, 2021 AT 6 PM
Come join us for a service of healing, hope, lighting candles, Holy Communion, and seeking Christ in the middle of an Advent and soon to be Christmas Season: overshadowed by COVID-19, political divisions, and social upheavals.
We are planning on having In-Person worship, with masks.
We will be having this service live through the Sidney UMC Facebook Page https://www.facebook.com/SidneyUMC/
So, you can attend on Facebook Live or In-Person !
Training & Education Opportunities
Lay Servant Ministry
Note* - Because of COVID, the Conference Team of Lay Servant Ministries is extending a year of grace to everyone who needed to take an Advanced Lay Servant Course in 2020 so you now have through 2021 to take a course to keep your certification up-to-date
The Adirondack District Lay Servant Ministries is offering the Basic Lay Servant Course: (Open to All)
 
If you feel called to ministry but are not sure where to start, the Basic Lay Servant course can help in your discernment process. This course is the foundation for all Lay Servant courses. In this course, you will be encouraged to discover and employ personal spiritual gifts as God intended. Participants are invited to consider the importance of exercising servant leadership, developing future leaders, remaining rooted in consistent spiritual practices, and being part of a leader in mission and ministry in the community and in daily life. If you are interested in this course, the next Basic Course dates are:
 
Monday January 10th 6-9
Thursday January 13th 6-9
Wednesdays January 19 and 26: 6-9
Via Zoom
Course fee $15
Facilitators: Lay Servant Ministries Team
The text is “Lay Servant Ministries: Basic Course Participant’s Book.” 
If interested please email the Registrar Arlene Schmidt at [email protected] for a registration form.
For information on Safe Sanctuaries, and on background checks, 
click here.  
Clergy Education
Course of Study Information
If you are registering for a COS class at GBHEM – you will need to list the name and email of your COS registrar. 
That information is as follows:
Betsy O’Flynn, [email protected]
UMC Clergy Education Offering Courses for Credit
  
ClergyEducation.com is a resource for clergy and church leaders, offering CEUs accepted by most United Methodist annual conferences.
 
Jan. 11, 2022 - 3 pm -Preaching During Lent and Easter, cost $25, Bishop Sharma Lewis. https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/760242338642077199
 
Jan. 27, 2022 - 2 pm -Olu Brown: Preaching and Leading During Lent 2022. https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/2217957265253727243

Click here for a complete catalogue of recorded courses. https://clergyeducation.com/recorded-courses/
UNY Job Postings
The following job openings are posted on the Upper New York website...
1) District Administrative Assistant - For Finger Lakes district
2) Director of Missional Engagement
3) Accounts Payable/ Payroll Specialist

If you have any referrals for these positions, or are interested in applying, please apply online through our website. Please contact Tracy Rickett with any questions. Thank you.
 
Resources
NEW- Dismantling racism resource:
Who was Ernest “Rip” Patton Jr?
 
The UMC is leading a sustained and coordinated effort to actively engage in the ministry of dismantling racism and promoting racial justice. The Upper New York (UNY) Conference Communications team has been regularly sharing worship, advocacy, and educational resources every week to help with this important campaign.
 
This week, we share a story about Civil Rights Activist, Ernest “Rip” Patton Jr; he was a Freedom Rider in the 1960s and a passionate practitioner of nonviolence. He helped start Nashville’s first Children’s Defense Fund Freedom School in 2014. Rip delighted in sharing stories from his time with the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee, the Freedom Rides, the Nashville sit-ins, and the 1964 Freedom Summer.
 
Click here to see this inspiring story that includes a video of Rip singing Vincent Hardin’s song, “We are Building up a New World.”
New- The spiritual discipline of celebration
 Throughout the coronavirus pandemic, Upper New York Assistant Director of Vital Congregations for Spiritual Life, the Rev. Nancy Dibelius, has been providing videos of helpful spiritual practices to help deepen people’s relationship to God during this difficult time.
 
For 2021, Rev. Dibelius is zeroing in on spiritual disciplines. She explains that spiritual disciplines are a way to get away with Jesus, walk with Jesus, and learn from Jesus.
 
In her latest video, Rev. Dibelius discusses the spiritual discipline of celebration, a timely topic in this season of Advent; click here to watch this video.
Technology tips for churches on a budget

The Rev. David Johnson, associate pastor from Beaumont, Texas, says that many resources, such as apps and software products, are available to help clergy. He also says that there are ways to use technology without breaking the bank.
 
To read more, click here.
Step by step process for developing an Intentional Discipleship Plan
 
The Northern Flow District has created training resources for congregations and persons to walk through a “step-by-step” process for developing an Intentional Discipleship Plan.

Click here for steps 1 and 2 of the training; follow the guidance of the video trainers, use the provided PowerPoints and the resources (links) to enable your church and team to develop and implement your congregation’s Intentional Discipleship Plan.
 
Additional training steps will be provided over time. Imagine what God will do as more and more churches develop their process for Making Disciples of Jesus Christ for the Transformation of the World!
Free shareable social graphics

United Methodist Communications offers free shareable images for use in inspiring and informing your members year round.
 
To read more, click here.
UMCOR / Mission Central Hub
Volunteer at the UNY Mission Central HUB
The Mission Central HUB at the UNY Mission Central HUB in Liverpool, NY has been hustling and bustling with volunteers putting together UMCOR hygiene and school kits. If your family, group, or organization would like to help with these important disaster relief kits (following COVID protocols), call the HUB at (315) 372-0285.
NEW- Global Mission Fellows program for young adults
The Global Mission Fellows program 2022-24 class is open. This is one opportunity to promote young adult mission service within The United Methodist Church!
The application for those interested in serving in the U.S. opened on Oct. 15 and the application for those interested in serving internationally opened Nov. 15.
 
The deadline to apply for these programs is Feb. 7, 2022. Click here to download a promotional video for the program.
Click here for the December issue of the Media Resource Center newsletter!

UNY Media Resource Center needs your support

Since the Upper New York Conference Media Resource Center does not have a budget for 2022 to purchase new resources, we are asking churches who have benefited from this ministry to support it with a financial contribution.
 
The committee for the Media Resource Center is asking if you could donate at least $100 toward purchasing new resources next year. If your church can contribute more than this, we would be grateful for your additional generosity. Your help is vital to keep this mission active and current.
 
You can make your check payable to the “Upper New York Conference,” and note it is for the “Media Resource Center” on the memo line. A gift by the end of the year would help us purchase Lenten resources for next year. Checks should be sent to The UNY Conference, 7481 Henry Clay Blvd, Liverpool, NY 13088.
 
Please direct any questions to our committee members:
 
·    Rev. Linda Haight: [email protected]
·    Rev. Sharon Rankins-Burd: [email protected]
·    Sheila Rader: [email protected]
 
Click here to learn more about this fundraising campaign.
News To Know
Bishop Webb announces clergy appointments

Upper New York Area Resident Bishop Mark J. Webb and the Upper New York Conference announce interim appointments and four retirements pending approval of clergy session. View the full list of changes here.
New- From the desk of Bishop Mark J. Webb: Why I encourage mentoring
The 2021 Issue II of the Advocate focused on how mentors help pave the way into individuals’ ministries. Upper New York Area Resident Bishop Mark J. Webb introduced this issue by stating the following after which he shared several biblical examples of mentorship:
 
“We were created for partnership - partnership with God and one another. The living out of our spiritual life and calling is never meant to be done alone, but together with a dependence upon the Holy Spirit and a deep connection with others who, like us, are pursuing a deep relationship with God. We all need spiritual mentors in our lives, and we all have an opportunity to be a spiritual mentor to others. Mentoring is not just sharing the knowledge of God with others, but rather it is demonstrating, teaching, and encouraging others to love and serve God passionately.”
 
Click here to continue reading Bishop Webb’s article.
2021 Issue II of the Advocate now available
The Advocate is the Upper New York Conference's ministry magazine.  Look who's on the Cover- Our own Rev. Paul Winkelman and Rev. Jongdeok Park
 
The 2021 issue II of the Advocate focuses on mentorship. Read wonderful stories from mentors and mentees on the value of mentorship in fulfilling ministries near and far—from small communities in UNY to Tanzania.
 
This issue is currently available as an e-issue and has been distributed to local churches. Click here to read or download this issue of the Advocate on the Conference website.
Protocol study survey responses due Dec. 15

You may remember that at our 2021 Upper New York (UNY) Annual Conference, the body passed UNYAC2021.7, which called for a study of our Conference’s readiness for the possible passage of the Protocol of Reconciliation and Grace through Separation. This resolution created a Study Commission that was given commission-specific instructions on how to, both conduct the study and report the study’s findings.
 
The first part of this study is underway and involves two short surveys that will be sent to every local church and every appointed clergy leader of the Annual Conference via email from their District office.
 
All appointed clergy should have received an email from their District office with a link to a survey.
 
The Study Commission sent a note to the Conference on Oct. 14 stating that the survey responses were due on Dec. 1
 
This deadline has been extended to Dec. 15.
 
Click here to read more about the surveys.
NYS Minimum Wage and Salary increase

Both are Effective Dec. 31, 2021, New York State (NYS) minimum wage will increase to $13.20/hour. 
 
Employers in the Upper New York Conference, regardless of number of employees, must pay non-exempt employees minimum wage. Future increases will be determined by the NYS Director of Budget in consultation with the NYS Commissioner of Labor and will be announced on or before Oct. 1 each year. 
 
Click here to read more.

A news article regarding NYS minimum salary is posted on the website . Previously announced was the NYS minimum hourly rate increase. Both the minimum wage and minimum salary are effective 12/31/2021. Click here to read more. https://www.unyumc.org/news/article/new-york-state-minimum-salary-increase
NY Hero Act extended to Dec. 15

On Monday, Sept. 6, 2021, Governor Hochul announced that the New York State Commissioner of Health designated COVID-19 as an airborne infectious disease.
 
The NY HERO Act plan (a law signed by Governor Cuomo in May 5), mandates extensive new workplace health and safety protections in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The purpose of the NY HERO Act is to protect employees against exposure and disease during a future airborne infectious disease outbreak.
 
Initially, the NYS Hero Act was effective through mid October 2021. The Hero Act has now been extended to Dec. 15, 2021 because COVID-19 continues to be a highly contagious communicable disease that presents a serious risk of harm to the public health in New York State.
 
Employers now must follow the requirements of their plans, as well as conduct mandatory training for employees on the plan and the law. Upper New York churches are responsible for the mandatory training for their staff.
 
Click here to learn about the training details.
 
Click here to learn why asking for vaccination status is not a violation of HIPAA.
 
Click here to learn paid-leave requirements related to COVID-19 in New York State.
 
If you have a question about COVID-19 and how it affects your church or need assistance, please send a message to the COVID-19 response team at (315) 898-2012 or [email protected].
IMPORTANT REMINDER - All appointed Clergy, Certified Lay Ministers(CLMs) and Supply pastors are REQUIRED to complete the NY State Sexual Harassment Training. After completing the training you will get a certificate of completion from NY State. Please be sure to send a copy of you certificate of completion to the Oneonta district office. If you have not already completed this training please go to the following link to read more about training options available. https://www.unyumc.org/news/article/new-york-state-required-annual-training-for-sexual-harassment-prevention
UNY United Methodist Center is now open
Upper New York (UNY) Conference staff members have been working at the UNY United Methodist Center in Liverpool, NY, throughout the pandemic following CDC guidelines. Now that the CDC and New York State have issued guidelines allowing indoor gatherings for vaccinated individuals and unvaccinated individuals (so long as they wear masks and social distance), the UNY Conference executive staff team made the decision to open the UNY United Methodist Center to the public following the attached protocols,
 
The protocols are in place to ensure that everyone will be safe when using the UNY Methodist Center.
 
The office will be equipped for hybrid meetings via Zoom for those unable to attend in-person.
 
Click here to register for a meeting with your team at the UNY United Methodist Center.
Phishing scheme alert
Please note that there is a new type of phishing-scheme email that has been received in multiple inboxes throughout the Upper New York (UNY) Conference. The email will look as though it is from someone you know in the UNY Conference and will show their actual email address. The text will ask you to link to a DocuSign document. DO NOT OPEN THIS DOCUMENT! It contains a virus. It is not truly from the person in the “From” address.
 
If you have any questions or concerns about this phishing scheme, contact Doug Thomas, UNY IT Manager, at [email protected].
Misc. Resource Links
Stay Informed, Up-To-Date Through These Links:

UNY Notes -Include notices From the Desk of Bishop Webb; Alerts; Announcements; Prayer requests; Death Notices; Camp & Retreat info 

Weekly Digest  - Sent every Wednesday. It will include a listing of all of the new information available.
 
This will help reduce the amount of e-news announcements coming to your computers.
 
Another great resource is the UMCOM newsletter. To subscribe, click here
District & Conference Office Closed

Christmas Eve Dec. 24th
Christmas Day (Observed) Dec. 27th
How to get help from UNY Conference for...
 Regular needs or questions, contact the Conference (315) 898-2000 or email: [email protected] and leave a message including what assistance
you are seeking and it will be given to the right person to respond to you.
Technical or creative needs such as online Bible studies/meetings,
live streaming worship, or online giving
(315) 898-2012 or e-mail [email protected]
  Conference Office Address:
 The Upper New York Conference 
   United Methodist Center
    7481 Henry Clay Blvd
   Liverpool, N.Y. 13088

Phone: 315-898-2000 Toll Free: (same) 1-855-424-7878    
 
Denominational Website: The United Methodist Church
"Making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world by... living the gospel of Jesus Christ and to be God's love with our neighbors in all places."    
 
Your Partners in Ministry at the Oneonta District Office

Rev. Nancy Adams - District Superintendent - [email protected]
Teresa Wood, - Minister of Administration- [email protected]
Rev. George Gallandorm- District Associate - [email protected]
Anna Buell,- District Lay Leader - [email protected]
Cathy Honrath- District Lay Servant Director- [email protected]
How to Contact the Oneonta District Office

Phone: (607) 441-5102
Fax: (607) 353-1034

(physical address)
Oneonta District Office
64 Chestnut St.
Oneonta, NY 13820
 
(mailing address- During Covid)
Oneonta District Office
C/O Teresa Wood
28 Orchard St.
Oneonta, NY 13820
News from the past
(Then scroll to bottom of page.)
Don't miss out on news articles that have run in the past. There are many resources you may be interested in.